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LibriVox recording of Diary of a U-boat Commander, by Sir Stephen King-Hall.
Read by Mark F. Smith.
Captain Karl von Schenk of the Kaiser's Navy is a stereotypical German nobleman - supremely self-confident, touchy about the divisions of class and any infringement on his place. He thinks he is handsome, has a suitably manly physique, an excellent singing voice, and a facility with writing. His wartime service related in his diary is a series of triumphs over harrowing circumstances, bringing his boat back in spite of the best efforts of the Royal Navy to stop him.
His one vulnerability is a young lady he meets on leave in Bruges, Belgium. Although she is the trophy girlfriend of a German colonel who could cause him much harm if he were to find out, von Schenk pursues his Zoe with Teutonic straightforwardness. And both he and the reader are entirely blind-sided by the unexpected thunderclap that puts an end to the sweet affair.
Stephen King-Hall, a Royal Navy officer during the war and writing as "Etienne", penned this book as if he had simply discovered it on a surrendered submarine. In fact, some editions of the book list the author as "anonymous." King-Hall's knowlege of naval affairs lend authority to this yarn of men that go to the sea in ships that sink... on purpose. (Summary by Mark F. Smith)
For further information, including links to online text, reader information, RSS feeds, CD cover or other formats or languages (if available), please go to the LibriVox catalog page for this recording.
For more free audio books or to become a volunteer reader, visit LibriVox.org.
Download M4B (148MB)
Read by Mark F. Smith.
Captain Karl von Schenk of the Kaiser's Navy is a stereotypical German nobleman - supremely self-confident, touchy about the divisions of class and any infringement on his place. He thinks he is handsome, has a suitably manly physique, an excellent singing voice, and a facility with writing. His wartime service related in his diary is a series of triumphs over harrowing circumstances, bringing his boat back in spite of the best efforts of the Royal Navy to stop him.
His one vulnerability is a young lady he meets on leave in Bruges, Belgium. Although she is the trophy girlfriend of a German colonel who could cause him much harm if he were to find out, von Schenk pursues his Zoe with Teutonic straightforwardness. And both he and the reader are entirely blind-sided by the unexpected thunderclap that puts an end to the sweet affair.
Stephen King-Hall, a Royal Navy officer during the war and writing as "Etienne", penned this book as if he had simply discovered it on a surrendered submarine. In fact, some editions of the book list the author as "anonymous." King-Hall's knowlege of naval affairs lend authority to this yarn of men that go to the sea in ships that sink... on purpose. (Summary by Mark F. Smith)
For further information, including links to online text, reader information, RSS feeds, CD cover or other formats or languages (if available), please go to the LibriVox catalog page for this recording.
For more free audio books or to become a volunteer reader, visit LibriVox.org.
Download M4B (148MB)
Reviews
Reviewer:
TwinkieToes
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 27, 2015
Subject: Great!
Subject: Great!
I love hearing the protagonist's arrogance dwindle through the course of the story. In the beginning, he's a pompous, bloated ass; in the end, he's much more humble and human.
Recording was great. I did hear a high pitched whistle through many of the recordings, but I didn't notice it after a while.
Recording was great. I did hear a high pitched whistle through many of the recordings, but I didn't notice it after a while.
Reviewer:
GonzoRanch
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
January 19, 2013
Subject: Fascinating
Subject: Fascinating
Dittos to all the great comments below. You won't loose interest.
Reviewer:
1dannyo
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
January 15, 2013
Subject: Diary of a U-Boat Commander (Mark Smith)
Subject: Diary of a U-Boat Commander (Mark Smith)
This is an epic tale, read by Mark Smith. Mr. Smith's voice adds to the story, a depth of feeling, which allows the listener to feel as if they are reading this true tale themselves. I found myself very intrigued by the narration and the tale itself. I highly recommend this to anyone who has an interest in the historical significance of WWI, ond/or the history of submarine warfare.
Reviewer:
ListeninginChicago
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
April 8, 2010
Subject: Well read story
Subject: Well read story
I'm a new fan of Mark Smith's reading - he does an excellent job. This tale gives interesting insight on the U-boat war, and its interesting to see how the events of the war affect Karl's ego and views of the English as the tale goes on.
Reviewer:
Showbizbuff
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 23, 2009
Subject: This is a fabulous book
Subject: This is a fabulous book
I'm an older person (age 71) who spent 6 years in the Navy in peacetime serving on a Minesweeper. But anyone who has been on the sea for any length of time can identify with this tale of war, unrequited love and incredible suspense. The horror of World War I naval warfare is front and center, and young lives lost in the senseless slaughter of wartime.....well, what can you say? The story starts slowly, and sounds like a real diary, and it begins to grip you as you proceed through the book. It is a book you will long remember. The narrator is Mark Smith of Simpsonson, South Carolina whose mellow voice is simply captivating. You should seek out his other recordings. Trust me on this, you will enjoy this book, and you will never forget it.
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